Ismail Anwar is targeting a tilt at the Central area lightweight title after landing the British Masters bronze belt.
The Huddersfield boxer outpointed Birmingham’s Marcus Ffrench over eight rounds at Villa Park.
Now he wants to fight Darfield’s Robbie Barrett, who claimed the Central crown in February.
Anwar beat Barrett in a six-rounder in Doncaster two years ago.
The 23-year-old bounced back from three successive defeats against Ffrench, and now has five wins from 11 fights.
He took a 77-75 verdict against the former British Masters bronze light-welterweight champion.
“Ismail showed he is a credible Central area title contender,” said his Linthwaite-based trainer Chris Aston.
“He outpointed a heavier opponent in front of his own fans. It was a cracking fight, with both of them putting the other down, and Ismail should take real confidence from his performance.
“He has never taken the easy route, and I think his experience kicked in against Ffrench.
“He is learning all the time, and he should be starting to believe he can go for those higher-level belts.
“Area titles have always been seen as worthwhile and a stepping stone to bigger things.
“And there is no reason why Ismail shouldn’t push on.”
Anwar’s victory completed a double for Aston after welterweight Luke Keleher beat Leeds’ Hassan Younis on points at Elland Road.
Younis was unbeaten in four going into the bout.
But Halifax-based Keleher, 28 and nicknamed ‘The Nuke’, put him down in the first of four rounds.
It was his first win in three professional fights after successive points defeats to Scottish fighters North of the border.
